10 Reasons your foundation looks bad

When it comes to cheating a dreamy, model-like complexion, your foundation game needs to be on point. So what do you do? Well, it usually starts by dropping some serious cash on thebest foundation formula, then you trawl YouTube to find that perfect 'dewy skin tutorial', and finally, you'll dedicate a good 10 mins (which is basically 10 years in morning time), to your makeup routine. All that effort. Yet for some reason, your foundation never looks quite right. It sits in pores, clings to dry skin, and come 2pm, it's all but disappeared. It's frustrating AF, but now's the time to get to the bottom of it. So we've rounded up a few of the most common reasons why your foundation misbehaves, now you can say goodbye to bad makeup days.

1. Uneven skin texture

Uneven skin texture can come in many forms, from under-the-skin bumps, to large, visible pores, or fine lines and wrinkles, all of which can contribute to foundation not sitting smoothly on the skin.

Combat it: If you're struggling with bumpy skin, grab Elemis' Dynamic Resurfacing Gel Mask, it contains enzymes that help re-texturise (aka smooth out) the skin's surface in a matter of minutes. Or, you could try Pixi's Glow Peel Pads. We know the words 'chemical peel' may sound a tad scary, but there's nothing to fear. The cotton pads are soaked in a blend of chemical exfoliating ingredients, such as glycolic acid, which work to shed the dead cells sitting on the surface of the skin and leave the complexion underneath looking brighter and smoother. However, it's important to note that your skin is prone to sun damage after a peel, so make sure you cover up with a high SPF.

2. Are you wearing the right foundation?

Think you've found the best foundation? Take the test below to make sure the formula is really your perfect makeup partner.

3. Using the wrong applicator

Incase you didn't know, different foundation brushes and sponges give different finishes. With so many options out there, it can be seriously confusing, so we've made a handy cheat sheet. Click below, to find the right applicator...

king of the booth

4. You're applying foundation wrong

Ok, so you've finally found the best foundation brush, but did you know there's a right and a wrong way to use it? By swiping your foundation applicator downwards as opposed to upwards, you'll avoid brushing up any fine little hairs (aka peach fuzz). This means skin will appear smoother and any hair will be less noticeable.

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5. Foundation goes orange throughout the day

You've blended your foundation to perfection, but after an hour or so your makeup seems to have transformed into a dark, orangey hue (nice). This is called, oxidation, and yes, we know, it's really annoying. Jamie Coombes, Dior's National Make-up Artist was able to explain a little more about why this happens, "oxidisation is when the various chemicals in your makeup interact and react with the natural balance of your skin PH Balance, causing it to change colour." So how can you stop it?"The best way to avoid it is to keep a close eye on the recommended 'use by' dates on your foundation, keeping your foundation tightly closed so less air comes into contact with it, and also using a silicone based primer to create a barrier between your skin and foundation."

6. Is your moisturiser is eating your makeup?

I know it sounds strange, but slathering on a super-rich moisturiser or face oil just before applying foundation, could end up doing more harm than good. Certain oils can alter the formula of the makeup and leave it looking patchy in places. Lee Etheridge, International Education Director for Bare Minerals explains, "rich moisturisers can contribute to a foundation oxidising as the formula can react to the oils and leave it looking uneven. Always make sure that moisturiser is fully absorbed before applying foundation."

If you don't want to skip on the oils, try mixing a drop into your foundation on the back of your hand before applying. That way it will ensure that the oil is distributed evenly, rather than gathering in certain places and reacting with your foundation formula.

7. Forgetting to take off the excess

If you ever look in the mirror after applying foundation and hate the fact that you can see the product 'sitting on your skin', listen up... Once you've applied foundation, take a beauty sponge and lightly dampen it with either a little water or a spritz of make-up setting spray, then bounce the sponge over your skin. The blotting effect should pick up any excess product, whilst the dampness of the sponge will help to sheer down the foundation a little.

King of the Booth

8. STOP using foundation to conceal spots

Foundation should be used to even out your base, but if you've had a breakout, it can be tempting to pile on a few extra layers to hide those pesky spots. While it might sound like no biggie, layering on too much foundation is a recipe for cakiness. Instead, use a high coverage concealer like Kiko's Full Coverage Concealer, and a tiny brush to 'pin-point' conceal any spots. This way you get coverage, without the caking.

9. Don't forget to set

Ok, you may have heard this tip before, but we're on a mission to hammer it home. Setting your foundation can mean the difference between all-day coverage or 2pm patchiness. If you want a glowy finish, set your skin with an illuminating powder like Hourglass' Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light. The finely-milled pressed powder gives skin a sheen but there are zero glitter flecks in sight.

10. You've been skipping on colour corrector

I know your morning routine probably feels chocca, without having to add an extra makeup step, but it's worth taking the extra seconds to colour correct, before applying your foundation. Why? Jamie Coombes, Dior's National Make-up Artist explains that it's essential to neutralize your base before going in with the foundation as you'll have a clearer canvas to work with. "Colour correcting could be the difference between a good makeup and a great makeup day, so I would suggest just finding and easy-to-apply colour corrector that targets your specific issue."

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